What is the difference between a registered trademark and an unregistered trademark?

A registered trademark has been examined, has been confirmed to be distinctive, and is subject to protections under the Trademarks Act, including protection nationwide. In order to obtain a registered trademark, you have to apply for a registration with the Canadian Intellectual Property Office (or the Intellectual Property Office in other countries) and continue to renew the registration as required in that country. In return, your trademark registration is presumed to have validity, with any burden of proof to invalidate the registration resting on the challenger.